We have a similar, slightly messier situation in Sweden as well (because we have like three distinct terms for "craft[s]"). I definitely agree that the main divide seems to be between objects that are functional, and objects that are "purely" artistic or whatever, and that the line is blurry in many cases. I also find that "craft" is a very useful metaphor for the arts! lol
A question old as time lol. The way I always looked at it is crafts are generally a set activity with a goal and general steps to achieve a goal with the ability to color out of the lines and be unique or follow the step by step. Artist follow rules they set from their lived experience and understanding of making something they imagine into a piece of reality. As does a tradesman yet an artist can completely change what they imagine in real time or by mistake to produce something that they make. Unlike tradesman who set out with steps in mind that can't be skipped or changed for the sake looks over function. As trades person builds you a table and doesn't want it to not service a purpose or last for it's intended goal. Point being I think everything can be art but crafts people and Artists have more opportunities to create with more self expression as a tradesman has to produce something that has to be up to task regardless of how creative you want to. Every other month I have the conversation with wood workers that don't want to be called wood workers they want to be called creators/makers. Some of which is just them wanting to be considered more or better then a wood workers like it's the next level to be called a creator lol. But I've seen that from the craft and artist group as well. Their thoughts being artist are a few steps up from a crafts person. Being that there is so much over lap between each group I don't get to tribal about it I am what you say I am. All I care about is what I make, makes people feel some sorta way for better or for worse.
I’m not really talking about “crafts” I know I said it in my video but I was saying more to point out that people refer to arts and crafts as different things. I think your “tradesmen” is being used synonymously with my “craftsmen” we are on the same page. It would probably be more helpful to understand where I was coming from if you listened to the podcast I was responding to, where the guy just blasted free verse poetry as nothing more than silliness. And formal poetry as the real art. My take on that is like an artist paints a picture and a craftsmen colors pages in a coloring book. Within the lines. No artistic drive necessary.
If it's good its art. If its useful its trades. If its junk its a craft.
We have a similar, slightly messier situation in Sweden as well (because we have like three distinct terms for "craft[s]"). I definitely agree that the main divide seems to be between objects that are functional, and objects that are "purely" artistic or whatever, and that the line is blurry in many cases. I also find that "craft" is a very useful metaphor for the arts! lol
A question old as time lol. The way I always looked at it is crafts are generally a set activity with a goal and general steps to achieve a goal with the ability to color out of the lines and be unique or follow the step by step.
Artist follow rules they set from their lived experience and understanding of making something they imagine into a piece of reality. As does a tradesman yet an artist can completely change what they imagine in real time or by mistake to produce something that they make. Unlike tradesman who set out with steps in mind that can't be skipped or changed for the sake looks over function. As trades person builds you a table and doesn't want it to not service a purpose or last for it's intended goal.
Point being I think everything can be art but crafts people and Artists have more opportunities to create with more self expression as a tradesman has to produce something that has to be up to task regardless of how creative you want to.
Every other month I have the conversation with wood workers that don't want to be called wood workers they want to be called creators/makers. Some of which is just them wanting to be considered more or better then a wood workers like it's the next level to be called a creator lol. But I've seen that from the craft and artist group as well. Their thoughts being artist are a few steps up from a crafts person. Being that there is so much over lap between each group I don't get to tribal about it I am what you say I am. All I care about is what I make, makes people feel some sorta way for better or for worse.
I’m not really talking about “crafts” I know I said it in my video but I was saying more to point out that people refer to arts and crafts as different things.
I think your “tradesmen” is being used synonymously with my “craftsmen” we are on the same page.
It would probably be more helpful to understand where I was coming from if you listened to the podcast I was responding to, where the guy just blasted free verse poetry as nothing more than silliness. And formal poetry as the real art.
My take on that is like an artist paints a picture and a craftsmen colors pages in a coloring book. Within the lines. No artistic drive necessary.